Aspirin aids Middle East plant restoration project

KINGS Park scientists have found a key ingredient in aspirin and anti-pimple products, salicylic acid, is a cost-effective plant growth and survival improver during a world-first desert restoration trial in Saudi Arabia.

For more than two years, Kings Park horticulturists and restoration scientists have been leading the systematic approach enabling plant restoration in the Thumama Nature Park near Riyadh.

To help reverse environmental degradation due to pressure from overgrazing, the trial encompasses seed collection, processing and plant production in arid sites.

Approximately 103,000 plants were installed to answer questions about the establishment of three species of Acacia (Fabaceae) native to Saudi Arabia.